From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Former Director of News, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Smolette Adetoyese Shittu-Alamu, has backed the President of Africa Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, over his verdict on Nigeria’s economy.
Adesina had recently said the Nigerians were better off in 1960 than now, a remark that did not sit well with the Presidency as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, countered the claim.
But Shittu-Alamu, in a statement yesterday, cautioned the Presidency against gagging dissenting voices in the name of politics.
Shittu-Alamu argued that economic hardship is glaring for everyone to see, stating that Onanuga should stop deceiving himself and the Presidency.
He said: “We conclude by stating that Dr Adesina is right; but the Presidency’s reaction is very wrong. Ethics as moral principles show how people should conduct themselves in social affairs.
“Ethics ensure the imposition of obligations on us as public functionaries to refrain from doing or saying whatever things are wrong.
“Our presidential aides must learn to study and develop ethical standards. They must try to live up to reasonable and solidly based conducts.
“They must refrain from being often time economical with the truth. They will do this by accepting to stand by the truth always and be able to stand on the side of the people they have been invited to serve.”